Ecology & Science

UVB radiation is known to impair photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, growth and reproductive rates in certain species but this study is thought to be the first attempt to quantify the damage it does to marine ecosystems.

Scientists have identified Los Roques, located about 128 kilometers off the Venezuelan coast as an important breeding ground and nursery of several species of sharks, including the lemon shark and Caribbean reef shark.

“We discovered that a number of animals thought to be rare are common around the corals, documented many animals outside of their previously known ranges, and discovered species new to science,” NOAA zoologist Martha Nizinski said.

The Orcas of Valdes

The scientist identified two distinct populations of white shark at the east and west of Bass Strait in Australian waters, prompting researchers to suggest the huge fish may need regional conservation plans.

In a study that covered 17 separate locations round Lizard Island in far North Queensland, researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University videoed the behaviour of large reef fish, allowing them to ide

"Actually having good followers helps leaders get on with their tasks," said Andrea Manica, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Cambridge who led the study recently published in the journal Current Biology.

Released this week, the study is the first IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ assessment available for all known species of marine shore-fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, sea birds, corals, mangroves and seagrasses in a major marine biogeograph

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